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Unearth the diverse red wines of Gamay and Cabernet Franc from the charming appellations of Bourgueil, St Nicholas de Bourgueil, and Chinon. In these picturesque villages, the Cabernet Franc-based wines captivate palates with their spectrum of flavors – from the light, fruity notes of Saumur to the rich, velvety undertones of Chinon.

Embark on a tailor-made private tour to uncover the unique expressions of Gamay and Cabernet Franc wines, departing from the cities of Saumur, Chinon, or Tours. Explore 3 or 4 esteemed wineries, with the option to substitute one visit for a captivating chateau experience. Each tour is designed to cater to your individual preferences.

Visit 1 ▸ Encounter the Masterful Reds and Whites of Chinon at a Top-rated Grower Producer
Discover the wines of the Chinon area are the softest and rich expression of the grape and often compared to Bordeaux, while the Bourgueil area produces more tannic and structured wines. Chinon are typically served slightly cooler than most red wine. Chinon AOP which benefits from a mixture of soils and tuffeau, which is great for both Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc (aka Breton), giving both varieties wonderful aging ability. Reds and rosés are light- to medium-bodied and although paler in color, they have deep, dark, spicy fruit character.

Visit 2 ▸ Savor a Delightful Saumur AOC Tasting with Panoramic River Views
Above the vineyards stands the ruins of Chateau of Chinon. The Plantangenet Henry II, King of England, died here. His son, Richard the Lionheart owned it and his other son, King John lost it to the French. It was here that Joan of Arc came to plead with Charles VII for an army. Close by you can enjoy a tasting.

Lunch  ▸ Indulge in Local Cuisine at a Quaint Medieval Village Restaurant or Chateaux Picnic

Visit 3 ▸ Unveil the Hidden Gems of St Nicholas de Bourgueil AOC
St. Nicholas de Bougueil AOP yields lighter colored Cabernet Franc reds and roses with lighter aromatics that are easy going and reveal lots of red fruit when young. They are sometime compared to wine from Bordeaux.

Visit 4 ▸ Immerse Yourself in the Rich History and Multifaceted Flavors of Bourgueil AOC
Bourgueil AOP are instantly recognizable Cabernet Franc wines known for their aromas of graphite, strawberry, and raspberry. The Cabernet Franc is grown in a mix of sandy gravel (more fruit/floral) and limestone (more spice), making for medium-bodied reds and structured rosé wines.

Other Loire Tour Options

Vouvray click here
Sancerre & Pouilly click here

Cabernet Franc
Chateau de Villandry is Known for its famous formal, geometric French gardens three levels, linked by shady pergolas and fountains recreated in Renaissance style. The upper terrace is the Jardin d’Eau, which features fountains, lawns and the reflecting pool. The second level, includes the Decorative Flower Garden, and the Garden of Love and below is the Jardin Potager, or vegetable garden.

Gamay
Gamay is typically blended with Cabernet Franc and Cot a local clone of the Malbec. It is a purple-colored grape variety with a light, fruity style and also used to make rosé wines in Anjou and Saumur. These wines are similar to those of Crus Beaujolais but with raspberry notes and the signature fresh-peppery nose of the Cabernet Franc. In Touraine, the red wines made entirely from Gamay. It can be made in a light, fruity style for immediate consumption or deep and rich for longer keeping.

Chateau de Villandry
is Known for its famous formal, geometric French gardens three levels, linked by shady pergolas and fountains recreated in Renaissance style. The upper terrace is the Jardin d’Eau, which features fountains, lawns and the reflecting pool. The second level, includes the Decorative Flower Garden, and the Garden of Love and below is the Jardin Potager, or vegetable garden.

Abbey of Fontevrand
near Chinon was begun in 1099 by a hermit. Its head was always a woman. It is most famous for Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife of Louis VII of France and then Henry II, King of England and Count of Anjou, where she spent her last years educating her children, Richard the Lion-Heart and King John.

Chateau d’Usse
A truly romantic castle with poetically Flamboyant Gothic tower and turrets; mysterious and romantic. Many chateaux were built from a stone that whitens with age and gives them a romantic appeal as they do not become grim and sombre with age. It is said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write “Sleeping Beauty”. The house is furnished in the period style of the 16th and 17th centuries.